The world will look to the UAE for two weeks this year, as the nation gears up to host the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties or COP28.
Come November, COP28 will be held at Expo City Dubai and will run from November 30 to December 12.
The two-week summit will see heads of state, government officials, global industry leaders, climate experts and private sector representatives at the global event.
The event is expected to welcome 70,000 attendees, and will hold discussions to help combat global warming as well as solutions to adapt to climate change.
In addition, participants will also be discussing the issue of financial responsibility for the damage that has already been caused by climate change.
What is COP28?
UAE will be hosting the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) at Expo City Dubai.
The event holds special significance because it marks the conclusion of the first-ever Global Stocktake, which is a comprehensive evaluation of progress towards the Paris Agreement’s objectives.
Recognising that the world is falling behind in its climate goals, the COP28 Presidency is committed to keeping the 1.5°C temperature target alive and ensuring that the international community responds to the Stocktake with a clear action plan.
What is the 1.5°C temperature target?
The 1.5 degree Celsius target is the global climate target which aims to limit warming to a said level by 2100. The target is set in order to prevent the planet from experiencing more climate crises.
“At COP21 in 2015, the world agreed to limit global warming to 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels by 2050. To remain on target, science tells us that emissions must be halved by 2030. We only have another seven years to meet that goal. COP28 UAE is a prime opportunity to rethink, reboot, and refocus the climate agenda,” Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, President-Designate for COP28 UAE said.
Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber is the UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Managing Director & group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).
“Working with the UNFCCC Executive Secretary alongside the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion and the UAE Youth Climate Champion, I will strive to build consensus amongst parties to drive climate action. Together, we will prioritise efforts to accelerate emissions reductions through a pragmatic energy transition, reform land use, and transform food systems. We will work to mobilise solutions for vulnerable countries, operationalise loss and damage, and deliver the most inclusive Conference possible,” he added.
This plan will include measures to bridge the existing gaps in progress. Additionally, the event will give substantial attention to sustainable agriculture, aiming to stimulate innovative approaches to food production.
As the host nation, the UAE will lead efforts to initiate a significant course correction to accelerate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions while safeguarding energy security.
Why was UAE chosen to host COP28?
Since its establishment in 1971, the UAE has consistently backed the worldwide climate agenda.
Located in a region characterised by intense heat and scarce water resources, the UAE has always regarded climate change as a formidable challenge to be addressed.
“As a regional leader in the energy and sustainability sectors, the UAE has grown and diversified its economy, creating knowledge, skills, and jobs for its young people, while contributing practical solutions to a global problem that affects us all,” as per the information seen on the COP28 website.
What are the dates for COP28 UAE?
COP28 will run from November 30 to December 12.
Where is COP28 being held?
COP28 will be held at Expo City Dubai. However, the event is divided into two main areas:
- The Blue Zone, managed by UNFCCC, is open to accredited parties like country negotiators, observer delegates such as NGOs, IGOs, UN agencies, media, and world leaders. It serves as the venue for the formal negotiations over the two weeks of the conference. Additionally, it hosts numerous official side events including panel discussions, speaking engagements, and cultural activities.
- The Green Zone, overseen by the COP28 UAE Presidency, is a space dedicated to non-accredited attendees, including youth groups, civil society, NGOs, the private sector, and indigenous groups. It provides a platform for these groups to express their perspectives and raise awareness about climate action through dialogue.
The COP28 UAE Presidency focuses the importance of collaboration between governments and the private sector in addressing climate change.
In the Green Zone, the private sector is invited to showcase their contributions and solutions to the global climate challenge, highlighting their innovative approaches, climate technologies, and entrepreneurial efforts. These elements play a significant role in COP28.
The Green Zone will also host technical conferences, panels, and activities focusing on current and future climate change mitigation solutions.
Outside of these designated zones, numerous unofficial ‘fringe’ will be organised by individuals, businesses, and organisations that may not have secured space in the Blue or Green Zones or choose to hold events independently.
While these are not official COP events and may not be directly aligned with the conference’s agenda, delegates attending them may consider them part of the overall COP experience.
What are the themes of COP28 UAE?
COP28 will focus on four themes. These are: Technology & Innovation, Inclusion, Frontline Communities and Finance.
Programming will explicitly include these themes through both content and speakers, the COP28 website read.
COP28: Full schedule revealed
Ahead of the two-week event, the daily schedule was released by organisers in Brussels, which includes seven themed days following a meeting of world leaders.
Here is the daily schedule for COP28 at Expo City:
November 30: COP28 opening ceremony
The COP28 inauguration at Expo City Dubai is marked by a formal ceremony where Egypt, the previous hosts of COP27, will pass on the summit’s leadership to the UAE.
During this transition, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber will be appointed as the President of COP28, marking the beginning of the World Climate Action Summit.
Following the opening ceremony, participants will gather from various nations to discuss the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, along with meetings of subsidiary bodies.
December 1 and 2: World Climate Action Summit
Heads of state and prominent global figures will assemble to engage in discussions regarding tangible steps and strategies for addressing climate change.
They will be joined by leaders from civil society, the business world, youth representatives, Indigenous Peoples’ organisations, frontline communities, scientists, and other sectors.
This summit will also open the platform for announcements and traditionally sets the tone and direction for the rest of the event.
COP28 is especially important because it marks the inaugural “global stocktake” of our progress in curbing climate change, emphasising the urgency of the situation.
The COP Presidency aims to hold the highest levels of global governance accountable for charting a path forward.
December 3: Health / Relief, Recovery and Peace
The theme of ‘Health Day’ will examine the intersection of health and climate change. During this session, leaders will come up with strategies for providing assistance to those impacted by climate change. The sessions will also aim to establish an agreement on key actions that the healthcare system should take in response to climate change, along with the necessary funding.
The second theme of the day, titled ‘Relief, Recovery, and Peace’, will concentrate on speeding adaptation efforts, preventing and addressing losses and damages, especially in areas affected by conflict and fragility that struggle to access climate funding.
December 4: Finance / Trade / Gender Equality / Accountability
Significant and rapid changes are needed in the financial and trade systems if the world is to meet its climate objectives. This particular day at COP28 will focus on the importance of achieving scale, access, and affordability by implementing major reforms at the international financial level, promoting the development of sustainable finance markets, and strengthening voluntary carbon markets.
The overarching aim is to mobilise private sector financing and enhance fairness.
COP28 will also introduce trade’s role in climate-smart, equitable growth, including efforts related to decarbonising supply chains, facilitating transitions, and enhancing resilience.
Gender Equality Day will focus on how gender-sensitive policy-making and improved access to financing are pivotal in realising a Gender-Just Transition, promoting gender equality, and ensuring the active involvement of women and girls in climate action.
Moreover, the programme will carefully examine accountability mechanisms aimed at transforming pledges and aspirations into concrete outcomes.
December 5: Energy and Industry and Just Transition
On this day, the focus will be on the tools and routes for reducing carbon emissions and ensuring a fair transition throughout the energy and industrial supply chains thus, accelerating economic growth and job creation.
Results expected will include widespread adoption of renewable energy sources, increased energy efficiency measures, innovative strategies, and actions to address high-emission sectors like steel, cement, and aluminum.
It will also involve harnessing the potential of hydrogen, as well as reducing carbon emissions in oil and gas production, which includes methods like methane reduction and carbon management technologies.
These outcomes will also address the goal of universal energy access and consider the requirements of energy workers. In addition, a special emphasis will be placed on cooling as a crucial factor for both mitigating and adapting to climate change.
December 6: Multilevel Action, Urbanisation, and Built Environment / Transport
Local leaders will gather at COP28 to ensure climate action is taken across all government as well as societal levels.
The gathering will include mayors, governors, parliamentarians, business, and civil society leaders.
The day will also highlight solutions to transition to low-carbon and resilience-built environments and infrastructure, sustainable and circular waste systems.
In addition, the day will focus on an interlinked transport pillar for more people-and-planet-friendly modes of mobility and freight.
The day will also focus on action in urban areas, where population growth, economic activity and greenhouse gas emissions meet.
December 7: Rest Day
Traditionally, during COPs, there is a designated ‘rest day’ in the middle of the schedule.
This allows participants to take a break, and regain their energy before the second week of the event.
On this day, the presidency will not organise any official programs or activities.
December 8: Youth, Children, Education and Skills
This day is dedicated to empowering young individuals to have a significant influence on the outcomes of COP28 and climate initiatives.
It will examine issues such as fair representation, more robust engagement mechanisms, and the allocation of resources across various COP themes and policy tracks.
Building upon the active involvement of young people in the climate movement, the goal of this day is to prepare them to thrive in a sustainable future while addressing the challenges of climate change.
This is especially important considering the disproportionate risks and consequences that children and young people face due to climate change.
Key focuses for this day will include supporting youth-led innovations and entrepreneurial endeavors, offering capacity-building, skills training, and green employment opportunities aligned with climate action objectives.
It will also focus on involving young people in the policy-making processes and transforming education to align with climate ambitions.
December 9: Nature, Land Use and Oceans
The Paris Agreement’s objectives depend significantly on nature, land use, and oceans.
The recent endorsement of the 30 by 30 biodiversity target focuses the need for policies and investments that address both climate and nature.
COP28 will prioritise the achievement of mutual benefits for climate and nature by employing various financial methods and strategies.
These will be developed collaboratively with local communities and Indigenous Peoples to ensure the sustainable preservation and management of natural carbon storage areas and biodiversity-rich regions.
In addition, there will be efforts to speed private sector pledges toward accountability frameworks that promote positive impacts on nature.
December 10: Food, Agriculture and Water
Climate change is placing significant pressure and threats on the agricultural, food, and water systems that are crucial for human well-being.
These systems also play a substantial role in driving climate change, with one-third of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions originating from agricultural and food systems, and approximately 70 percent of global freshwater consumption associated with agricultural production.
Within the of food and agriculture, the focus will be on investing in innovation, adopting procurement practices that support regenerative agriculture, and establishing national pathways for transformation.
These efforts will be supported by financial mechanisms and project preparation.
For water initiatives, the focus will include activities related to the restoration and conservation of freshwater sources, the development of infrastructure to enhance urban water resilience, and the integrated governance and management of water and food systems.
December 11 and 12: Final Negotiations
“On the final two days of COP28, we have opted for no thematic days to avoid extensive
programming when the negotiation text is often being closed. This decision was informed by widespread feedback received from stakeholders,” the schedule read.
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